A UNIQUE sculpture in Slimbridge inspired by wetland birds and created with the help of a schoolgirl has won a county award.
The sculpture - called Nest - was designed to highlight the 75th anniversary of the Slimbridge Wetland Centre and its vital wildlife conservation work.
Located on the A38 roundabout, the artwork shows an infinity of lily pads, with a whole range of wildfowl and birds living amongst it.
The sculpture has won a CPRE Gloucestershire Award, which recognises projects that make an outstanding environmental contribution to the county.
It was created by metal sculptor Ian Gill, celebrating the life of WWT’s founder, Sir Peter Scott.
Children from Slimbridge Primary School were challenged back in 2018 to design a roundabout concept that reflected what WWT meant to them.
A pupil, aged 11, won with her creative design, which combined natural wetland habitats, insects, and bird species found at Slimbridge.
Ian then brought the winning student’s vision to life.
His sculptures combine traditional blacksmithing with modern industrial techniques, and he works with heavy gauge materials that can be hot forged.
Ian said: “With our biodiversity in decline, ‘Nest’ is a constant reminder that without nurture and change, this is what we could lose.
“The sculpture raises awareness and reminds us how beautiful nature is around us and why we need to protect it.”
The project was supported by National Lottery Heritage Funding and funded by Moto in the Community.
Representatives of CPRE projects were presented with plaques and certificates by new president, Madeleine Bunting at an award ceremony at the Gambier Parry Hall in Highnam.
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